Where's Heidi? ~ From Catch Phrase to Memoir Part I

This is a blurry photograph of Heidi. Can you hear her saying, "Finally Lisa, thank goodness."  She is the inspiration to my writing. God gifted me. He changed my heart. He strengthens and guides me with each word written or spoken Yet it is because of Heidi, my only sister, and her kidnapping that I am motivated and inspired to write. I want others to know there is hope and healing after such a tragic loss. My theme verse for this mission is from 2 Corinthians.

" Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God."
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

It is only because of Him and Heidi I have a book soon to be released. Since yesterday's announcement, questions have been posed. My hope is to answer them today and tomorrow on the blog. I am going to answer them out of order as I received them but in a more logical way to provide you with the information.

• Who is the publisher?
• How many offers did you receive?
• How many rejections?
• How much money will you make?
• Are you excited?
• What do your parent's think about the book coming out?
• Will there be another book?

"What do your parent's think about 
the book coming out?"


This is an easier question than some might think. My parent's are both very excited about the book's release and are my greatest cheerleaders, alongside Ed and Mags. Two years ago when I started this blog, I had their blessing. When I asked them if I could write the book, their response ~ "It is your story to tell. We are proud of you for doing it. You are honoring your sister and helping others. We couldn't ask for anything more." Since then, this book has been a team (family) project. My parents help me prepare for speaking engagements, edit, revise, market, and celebrate the book, and most importantly...they encourage me when the memories suck the last bit of joy from my heart. They love me when I struggle to snap out of the grief and anger induced from reading old articles and notes. They support me no matter what, 24/7. My parents rock! This isn't my book. This is OUR book...for Heidi and other's who hurt. 

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"Are you Excited?" 


Oh my, YES! YES! AND MORE YES! I thought this was a silly question at first but then as I thought about it I realized, it is a fair question. I am tickled to know  Where's Heidi? One Sister's Journey will be available the same month, if not on the very anniversary of Heidi's disappearance. 


Keep this in prayer - we should know before year's end the official release date. Will you join us in prayer for it to be 4/3/13?) thank you. 


During my editing brain breaks, I jot things-to-do down on my list, or should I say lists. :) I am excited to have the book released yet the amount of work before me in order to meet an April deadline could be overwhelming. 


My friend and author, Elaine W. Miller (side note: Elaine's newest release, "We All Married Idiots" is a FREE Kindle download today!!) told me, 


"The work really begins after the book 
is accepted for publication." 
She wasn't kidding. 
While it is work, it is so much fun. 


My father and daughter are now my "marketing team". 
A fourteen year old created yesterday's video!


My mother is editor, counselor, and creative consultant.


My husband is my glue. He holds me together when returning to 1994 and that first decade tear me apart. He probably has the toughest role yet he does it because he loves me. And I love him. He already bore this burden once and he chooses to do it again.


I am excited and thankful. I couldn't do it without my immediate team or the many others who play silent, yet vital roles in the success of this book and my speaking.

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Okay, so I only answered two questions but there is a lot to read. You asked great questions, it might take three blogs to answer them. See you tomorrow when I answer more of your questions. Thanks for your encouragement, support, and prayers! 


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